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To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2009.10.010 Byline: Brigitte Granville Keywords: institutions; Russia; transition economies; technological change; innovation; investment Abstract: We explore the impact of informal institutions on technological change in transition, comparing the 89 regions of the Russian Federation. We use panel data during the period of recovery and growth, 1998-2004. The one-country framework provides a constant background -- unlike, for example, in cross-country studies -- against which variance in institution building may be observed. Property rights reform ranged from full enforcement in the Northwest to blocking in Communist regions in the Southeast. We find an unambiguous relationship between early strong reform and technological change. In our model, the quality of informal institutions is proxied by investment risk (ExpertRA Regions rating agency). Author Affiliation: School of Business and Management Queen Mary University of London, London, UK Article History: Accepted 3 December 2008

An economic model is provided in the context of developing countries to address the policy strategies related to poverty reduction. The model is based on the policy framework of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to show how demand growth can be a crucial mechanism in determining the potential rate of growth, and to suggest ways in which poverty can be linked with the key policy variables contained in the adjustment programs.

This commentary examines how closely Odling-Smee and Pastor (2002)'s account and their defense of the IMF's role matches the known facts and evidence on the Ruble Zone. This evidence shows that in the 12-24 months following the Soviet collapse, the IMF took the view that the prompt introduction of new currencies in the successor states would be more dangerous and damaging than sacking to the ruble. This article questions the assumptions behind this view, and argues that it was not correct for the IMF to confine itself to advising on the pros and cons of either course. The decisions by Post-Soviet states on the currency issue had a key bearing on whether IMF financial assistance would be forthcoming making, the IMF's `neutrality' as recorded by the authors objectionable in principle. The bias of IMF advice in favor of retaining the Ruble Zone reflected many other interests besides Russia's own. The real aim of this commentary is not point-scoring in long-past debates, but to share an historical understanding. JEL Classification Numbers: E52, F33, F42, P24 Keywords: Monetary policy, ruble area, national currencies, Our role at the IMF is not to wait for all such risks to be eliminated before taking action, but even in chaotic circumstances of history to sit down with [...]

This article offers a comparative analysis of the inflationary experiences of Weimar, Germany and post-Soviet Russia, applying theories about money and government budget contraints in the manner of Thomas Sargent and Francois Velde. The comparison looks beyond economic policy itself to the political and social consequences of the two inflationary crises. The parallel is fairly close: close enough to suggest that Russia, despite its recent quiescence, may not have seen the end of its monetary, or political, travails.

Western nations should approve a new initiative, similar to the Marshall Plan, to help economic recovery in eastern Europe as a part of the peace settlement with Serbia. The South Eastern European Development Initiative, to be successful, must address declining production, bolster consumer confidence, and aid in deficit reduction. Although there are no political imperatives to enact these policies of reconstruction, they are necessary to ensure a stable European economy.

Russia's economic experience since the collapse of central planning in 1991 has some important lessons for today's policy-makers in Iraq. The economic challenges facing Russia and Iraq are compared and the design of their economic policies are described.

The author believes that the war in Iraq will further depress the world economy and stall international economic agreements and globalization. He believes the war will further damage the United States economy and effect the economy of other nations as well.

The barriers put up by European countries against the entry of immigrant workers are a mockery of the ideals of globalisation, the 1951 Geneva Convention and everything that Europe stands for. It is argued that the efforts to keep immigrant workers out of European countries, except for those that will do jobs that westerners have no taste for, are an insult and could have more a serious impact in developing a sense of violent resentment amongst people from developing countries who see potential opportunities being blocked off.

To purchase or authenticate to the full-text of this article, please visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-0335.2009.00757.x Byline: BRIGITTE GRANVILLE ([dagger]) Author Affiliation: ([dagger])Queen Mary, University of London

This article discusses Iran's disapproval of Taliban politics, support of Palestinian organizations, Middle East diplomacy, and US-Iran relations.

This article discusses John Maynard Keynes' influence on international economic integration. Topics include a brief history of financial change, economic development, and the International Monetary Fund.

Issues discussed concern the process of political, social, and economic reform in Iran. Topics addressed include the democratic agenda of the reformists, and Iran's response to cultural and economic globalization.

Issues are discussed regarding the foreign masters in Cuba's history providing some of the origins of the country's Cuba's problems.The independence wars broke out in reaction to the Spaniards, the initial overlords. The dearth of employment avenues under US overlordship led to massive corruption and eventually the Castro revolution, and the Soviets great poverty.

The 1999 trade dispute revolving around American perception of European discrimination against US bananas, beef and biotechnology, threatens the future of the World Trade Organization. The US government has accused the European Union of favoring fruit from former French and British colonies in Africa, the Pacific, and the Caribbean over American distributors of cheaper Latin American brands.

This article discusses the impact of the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks on the US stock market and economy. Topics include recession, price stabilisation, and economic growth.